Society Handbook 2022-2023 v12

SOCIETY ACTIVITIES
Charity Role
The charitable focus of The Society of Apothecaries is the support of students of medicine and
pharmacy who are facing financial hardship that threatens their continuing education. Our help in
this area has never been more important. Costs of medical and pharmacy training are high, and
many do not have financial support from their families. Wonderfully, medical students are now
coming from increasingly diverse backgrounds than in previous generations, but this also increases
the number who need support. To make matters worse, COVID-19 reduced the opportunities for
part-time work significantly. When our professions lose some of their brightest and best young
talent because of financial constraints, it is a tragedy, both for the individuals concerned and for
society as a whole.
Thank you note from a recipient of the Society’s Christ’s Hospital award.
Annually, through The Master’s Fund, the Society supports at least one medical student in financial
hardship at every medical school in the UK, and pharmacy students through Pharmacist Support
(https://pharmacistsupport.org/). In the past five years, our support has helped 168 students to
complete their studies.
We also fund prizes at five London medical schools, an award at Christ’s Hospital School, and help the
young people of the 201 (Harrow) Army Cadet Force (ACF), alongside other charitable giving.
You can help tomorrow’s doctors and pharmacists by setting up a regular donation to The Master’s
Fund. You can also buy tickets for The Apothecaries’ Lottery which makes a significant contribution
to The Master’s Fund. If you would like to become more involved in the work of The Master’s Fund,
for example, by running a fund-raising event, do contact the Clerk’s office or the Chair of the Charity
Committee.
Dropping out of medical school wastes talent, money, and crushes young people’s dreams. Thank
you for any help you can give.
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